Saudi Police raids Shi'ite resident area

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Several people were injured in eastern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, residents and activists said, when security forces entered the old quarter of Awamiya, where authorities say Shi'ite militants are hiding.

Mirat al-Jazeera, an online newspaper that often reflects Shi'ite views, said at least two people were confirmed killed in the raid, which began at dawn. Saudi officials were not immediately available to comment.

Authorities say the narrow streets of the old town known as al-Musawra, which date back more than 200 years, have become a hideout for Shi'ite Muslim militants believed to be behind attacks on security forces in the majority-Shi'ite oil-producing region.

Awamiya has long been a flashpoint of friction between the Sunni-led government and Shi'ites complaining of discrimination. Tensions have increased since Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shi'ite cleric convicted of inciting violence, was executed a year ago.